Restaurant Week, Oktoberfest are coming up

This year’s East Village Oktoberfest at Quartyard takes place on Sept. 20. Early timing? No, that’s actually the same date Munich’s celebration starts (though Germany’s Oktoberfest celebrations last two weeks). Steins of suds for the East Village event will be filled and emptied for a comparatively conservative five hours (3 to 8 p.m.)

This ninth annual downtown offering will be confined inside the gated, open-air Quartyard event space. In past years, the ladies in dirndls and gentlemen in lederhosen spilled out onto two East Village streets. 

Quartyard Managing Partner Justin Navalle says bigger isn’t always better and limited capacity will lead to maximum leisure.

“We’re channeling the traditional bier tents of Munich with a Quartyard twist,” Navalle says. “Picture long skinny tables, a seat for every ticket, massive shade and a hypercurated entertainment program.”

With San Diego’s proximity to Mexico, East Village Oktoberfest food and beverage has often had a south of the border twist. Partygoers can dine on sausages and pretzels as well as the in-house El Comal menu. Festival beers will include Märzens, hefeweizens, and Mexican lagers, and everybody gets a plastic take-home stein. Salud! 

The Zeitgeist Oktoberfest Band will play the “Chicken Dance” and other polka ditties. Daniel Gersztyn of SDHosted will emcee the stein holding contest and other party games that don’t require feats of strength. 

Presented by Quartyard and the East Village Association, tickets are $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Prost! For more information go to: East Village Oktoberfest.